There was a lot going on in GAA circles during March 2015 and, possibly, the name of DAMIAN CASEYmight not have popped out to you but the Dungannon man had a superb month that stood alongside, and even surpassed, the deeds of the more recognizable names in football and hurling.

UUJ undergraduate Damian (21) is one of the leading hurlers in Ulster and his performances with Tyrone were a major cause of the Red Hands storming up the Allianz NHL Division 3A table to be one win away from winning the section.

The accountancy student certainly got his figures right with a stream of scores that kept Tyrone pressing for promotion as the Red Hands defeated Roscommon, Louth and Fermanagh. He’s an ace free-taker who rarely errs. Frees are a very important part of the game, of course. He rifled over 31 points in three matches during March, including one pointed free from 100 yards.

Apart from his scoring and general play, Casey’s leadership, as captain, stood out in all the games and his ambassadorial role with the team is outstanding. Still, this is not an award he reckoned would be his.

Damian with Parents and sister. Pic: Peadar McMahon

“It is a great honour and privilege to receive the Monthly Merit Award but it is totally unexpected. That makes it all the better, of course. I greatly appreciate getting the award which gives a great boost to my career. Division Three hurling may not be recognized very much but this is a terrific honour for the grade,” enthused Damian

The Eoghain Ruadh’s clubman has been playing senior county hurling with Tyrone for four years and captained the team in 2014 to win the Nicky Rackard Cup. Apart from that medal he has collected two SHC and three SHL honours with his club and has played with UUJ in the Fitzgibbon Cup.

As his UGAAWA Monthly Merit Award, he receives an engraved Belleek Living Vase, engraved silver cuff links from Carlingford Design House, training gear from O’Neill’s Sportswear and two tickets, plus overnight accommodation, for the UGAAWA 28th annual banquet, to be held at the Great Northern Hotel, Bundoran, on 13 November 2015.

The presentation was made to the winner at a function in McAleer’s Bar, Donaghmore Road, Dungannon on Easter Tues. April 7

To get the award, Damian nosed out the strong claims of Fermanagh footballers Ryan McCluskey and January winner Sean Quigley with Monaghan’s Darren Hughes and Irish Handball champion Aisling Reilly also very much in the mix.

Damian with from Left - Paddy Hunter, John Martin and John Campbell, UGAAWA members.Pic: Peadar McMahon

FOOTNOTE: Damian Casey scored nine points last Saturday’ (April 4) in Tyrone’s defeat of Monaghan in the NHL Div 3A play-off. Tyrone will play Donegal next Saturday in the Div 2-3 promotion-relegation fixture.

John Martin, Damian and Tommy Colton.Pic; Peadar McMahon

With Club mates.Pic: Peadar McMahon

Damian pictured with Sean and Conor McAleer after the presentation in McAleers.Pic: Peadar McMahon